Chapter 7
Jane was embroidering a handkerchief for her dear sister, Elizabeth. She was eager to receive news from her, and as soon as she had an address to write to, she planned to send her that handkerchief as a token of her affection. For her, Elizabeth was the most important person in her life and with whom she could share her sorrows and joys.
The day before, Mr. Murray and his mother had come to visit the Gardiner, and she had the opportunity to talk to him again. Although Mr. Murray was not as handsome as Mr. Bingley and was almost ten years older than her, Jane had an excellent opinion of him. She could tell he was a hard-working gentleman, loved his two little children very much, and probably needed a mother for them.
Jane had noticed how he looked at her and thought he might be sincerely interested in her, and if so, she would accept him. Jane was willing to be a good wife and take the role of mother to his young children if he agreed to allow Elizabeth to live with them for as long as necessary. That was the only condition she planned to request from her potential new husband.
For her part, Mrs. Gardiner was increasingly worried about Jane. She had noticed Mr. Murray's growing interest in her niece and did not want Jane to make a hasty decision that she might regret for the rest of her life.
"Jane, Mr. Murray's mother, sent me a note inviting us to dinner at her house tomorrow. I imagine you know why we are receiving this invitation and that you understand the extent of your actions," Mrs. Gardiner said, sitting next to her niece.
"Dear aunt, Mr. Murray is a good man with a consolidated financial position. I have no dowry or connections and cannot afford to reject a suitor who could offer me a home and protection."
"Jane, let us help you and Elizabeth. Your uncle's business has been quite lucrative the last few years, and we can find a way to..."
"No, aunt, I do not wish to abuse your generosity. I am the older sister, and I should be the one responsible for protecting my sisters."
"I understand, dear. I just want you to know that your uncle and I will do whatever it takes to protect you. But let us talk about something else so we do not get melancholy."
Mrs. Gardiner preferred to talk about other topics because she knew her niece was determined to start a new life away from Longbourn. In a way, she could comprehend her predicament. She knew that her nieces, upon Mr. Bennet's death, would be left unprotected. Maybe Jane was doing the right thing, and she did not want to be unfair and judge her.
P&P
"I like your new hairstyle, Aunt Amanda," Louisa said nervously. She liked her father's sister, but she knew that Caroline did not particularly enjoy it when she visited them.
"Thank you, dear, you look very pretty too. Without a doubt, married life has been very good to you," Amanda replied to be polite. Unfortunately, her nephew Charles was not home, and she did not want to leave the house without talking to him. So, she intended to take advantage of the opportunity to obtain some information.
"I was surprised when Charles visited me the other day; I thought you all would be in Hertfordshire for the whole season. I understood that Charles planned to learn how to manage an estate, which I think takes time."
"Of course, my brother must learn how to manage an estate. You know better than anyone that my father's dream was for Charles to be a landowner," Caroline intervened. She was fond of her aunt but did not want her to interfere in her brother's life. Aunt Amanda had very different ideas from her about what the Bingleys' role in society should be.
"You are right, Caroline, and I confess that I never understood my brother's obsession to belong to a class that looks at us rather with contempt."
"Aunt, I do not think you understand…"
Caroline wanted to educate aunt Amanda about how her family had decided to advance their place in society.
But she preferred to avoid arguing, "My dear, we don't need to discuss a matter on which we will never be able to agree. We see each other so little because Charles is the only one of you who visits me. So, I prefer you tell me about your experience in Hertfordshire."
Louisa and Caroline were encouraged to see that their aunt wanted to know more about their lives in recent months. As expected, they kept nothing from her and told them how horrible their experience had been in a place full of low-class people without any distinction or manners. Amanda was about to ask them about Miss Jane Bennet but chose not to when she heard Caroline and Louisa's remarks.
"And as always, silly Charles invited everyone to our house, even organized a ball, and invited all the town and the officers stationed there during the winter months. If it were not for our intervention, he would have continued paying attention to people who are not worth it and generating expectations that he would never be able to fulfill."
"Aunt, you know very well what Charles is like; he sees a pretty face and loses his reason," Louisa added.
After listening to her nieces, Amanda thought she knew what had happened. Charles was indeed attracted to the beautiful Miss Bennet and his sisters did everything possible to separate them. The daughter of a minor landowner with no connections or fortune was not the woman they wanted for her brother.
"I suppose it is good that you worry about Charles, but you must not forget that you must also be concerned about your own lives. Louisa, you have a husband now, and you, Caroline, must think about what you want to do for your future." Amanda sensed that neither Louisa nor Caroline had achieved their own happiness, another reason they were constantly interfering in their brother's life.
"I know very well what I want, Aunt. I assure you that you do not have to worry about me." Seeing her aunt's incredulous look, Caroline added petulantly. "If my future husband does not mind mingling with merchants for a few days, maybe I could invite you to my future wonderful estate. I guarantee it is the most beautiful place you will ever visit." Caroline was going to tell Amanda that Pemberley would soon be her home, but she preferred to remain silent when she saw her brother-in-law enter the room.
"I shall be looking forward to your invitation," Amanda replied, smiling. Then, she greeted her niece's husband and talked with him for a few brief minutes. Mr. Hurst's father was one of her husband's many clients, and Henry and Louisa met through her.
"Well, I think I have extended my visit much longer than planned. Please, dear nieces, tell Charles I want to speak to him and shall be waiting for him tomorrow after breakfast."
"I am leaving too, Mrs. Lewis; please allow me to accompany you," said Henry Hurst.
"Where are you going, Henry?" Louisa asked, surprised.
"I am going to visit my parents and plan to have dinner with them. Do you want to come with me?" Henry asked. He knew the answer and only asked because Aunt Amanda was present.
"Louisa, we agreed to have dinner with the Spencers," Caroline interrupted.
"I am sorry, Henry, but I cannot. But please give my regards to your parents." Louisa said, a little disappointed.
"I suspected it; you always have other plans.," replied Mr. Hurst curtly.
Amanda watched the interaction between Henry and Louisa and thought something was not right between them. She knew theirs was a marriage of convenience, but she felt they might become fond of each other with time. Evidently, that had yet to happen, and if they hardly spent time together, it would be even more impossible.
Amanda said goodbye to her nieces and reminded them one more time to tell Charles to visit her the following day.
But Caroline convinced Louisa it was better not to say anything to Charles. Aunt Amanda was always putting nonsensical ideas into their brother's head, and probably, she did not have anything important to tell him.
P&P
Elizabeth had not slept well the night before but crying did her good. It helped her release all the tension and sadness she had accumulated for weeks. She had preferred to remain optimistic the entire time but realized that she had to somehow find peace with her new situation and do her best to protect herself.
When Elizabeth awoke the following morning, she asked her maid to prepare a bath. Last night, she had thought how lonely and painful her life was. But when she thought of Georgiana, she knew that her misfortunes were nothing compared to hers. A man she had loved had taken advantage of her innocence, abused her, and stolen her innocence and joy.
Elizabeth decided to get closer to her sister-in-law, protect and care for her, and help her enjoy life. Georgiana was all Elizabeth had, and in a way, Elizabeth was all Georgiana had.
From that day on, Elizabeth planned to limit her interactions with Mr. Darcy to a minimum and not do anything that would provoke him. She did not want to give him a chance to show her again how pompous or overbearing he could be.
"Good morning, my dear Georgiana. I am sorry for coming to see you so late, but I was exhausted, and I think I slept more than I should have," Elizabeth said as she greeted her sister-in-law and caressed her cheek. She was very pale and Elizabeth thought she was a little ill.
"Good morning, Lizzy. Please do not worry. I also awoke late today. Today, I want to teach you how to paint and warn you that you cannot refuse. Let us start with the basics so you do not have to panic. You will see that it's very easy," said Georgiana enthusiastically.
"I am supposed to paint that flower in that vase," Elizabeth asked, smiling. "I hope your expectations are not too high, my dear Georgiana. I assure you that I did not lie when I told you I have no talent for drawing or painting."
"We all have talent, Lizzy. We just need to find someone who can guide us to discover it wherever it is hidden."
"I do not think my talent is hidden but rather irremediably lost," Elizabeth replied, laughing. She understood that Georgiana was very excited to spend time with her laughing and doing anything that would make her forget about her condition.
Elizabeth still did not dare to broach the topic of her pregnancy and the future baby. That creature would never know who their parents were, and the mother would see the child grow up calling another woman's mother. Perhaps in a few more months, when they knew each other better, she could discuss that subject openly and honestly.
Even though Georgiana was laughing and happy, Elizabeth noticed she was not well. Not only was she very pale, but her face showed tension as if she felt discomfort and pain.
"I think my flower did not turn out so bad after all. Although I appreciate that the poor flower cannot see the portrait of itself," Elizabeth said, laughing. "You are an excellent teacher, my dear Georgiana."
"It is very nice," Georgiana said and sat down. She was not feeling well but did not want to worry Elizabeth.
"My dear, I think you had better rest," Elizabeth said, leading Georgiana to her room. There she helped her lie in the bed and asked her in a firm tone. "Georgiana, I need you to be honest and tell me if you are not feeling well."
"Lizzy, it is nothing… Well, it hurts a little here," Georgiana said, putting her hand on her lower belly.
"I thank you very much for trusting me, and please do not hide things as important as this from me. Now, you will stay in bed, and I shall read you something so you do not get bored. What do you think about my idea?" Elizabeth kissed Georgiana's cheek and smiled to hide her concern. She felt so sorry for that poor girl but had to be strong if she intended to protect her.
"I believe it is a wonderful idea…Thank you, Lizzy," Georgiana said and kissed Elizabeth's hand. She read her three stories, and Georgiana fell asleep. Elizabeth covered her, kissed her forehead, and left her to rest.
Before leaving the room, she asked the maid to stay with Georgiana and notify her when she woke up. Elizabeth had planned to eat in Georgiana's room to observe her condition and avoid meeting Mr. Darcy. However, she knew she should talk to him to clarify some crucial matters.
Elizabeth was on her way to her room when one of the footmen told her that Mr. Darcy wanted to speak with her and that he was waiting for her in his study. Elizabeth needed to emotionally prepare herself to talk to that man, so she told the footman she had something to do and would be available to speak to her husband in half an hour.
She entered her room, threw herself on the bed and put her mind blank so she could rest and prepare to have another argument with her husband.
P&P
As always in recent days, Mr. Darcy awoke early, had breakfast in his room, and then locked himself in his study, saying that he had many important matters to resolve.
The truth was that that morning he had nothing important to resolve and that he wanted to be there just because he felt guilty. The night before had been very hard on Elizabeth; he had even heard how she had cried until she fell asleep. At one point he felt so guilty that he even thought about going into her room and apologizing.
Mr. Darcy knew that Elizabeth provoked powerful emotions in him and that he should ignore her just as he had done at Netherfield. But that was impossible under the current circumstances because she was his wife, and they needed to maintain a harmonious distant relationship for Georgiana's sake.
He knew that he had to apologize somehow, but he had to do it in such a way that Elizabeth would not notice how much she affected him. He planned to be gentle, but distant. He believed he had found a way to do it.
"Sir, excuse me for interrupting you," the butler said. "Gordon told me that Mrs. Darcy was busy at the moment but that she would come to speak with you in another half hour."
"I understand; thank you for letting me know," Mr. Darcy replied.
The butler left the office, and Mr. Darcy poured himself a brandy, which he drank in one sip.
'I presume you are angry, Elizabeth. But I find it very childish that you make me wait to make me feel guilty, especially when I consider making amends for my behavior last night. Nor did I say anything that was not true; you have no right to take my mother's belongings without permission... '
Mr. Darcy was furious at Elizabeth's attitude and could not believe she would use such a distorted method to make him feel guilty.
Elizabeth spent almost half an hour resting on her bed and clearing her mind. Finally, she got up, fixed her hair a little, and went to her husband's study to discover what he wanted to discuss with her, but above all, to talk to him about Georgiana.
When she arrived at the study, the door was closed. She knocked lightly and did not enter until she heard Mr. Darcy's voice authorizing her to enter. She did not want to argue with him because she had other priorities in mind.
"I am glad you have finally decided to come talk to me, Mrs. Darcy," Mr. Darcy said. He was aware that he sounded very harsh, but he wanted Elizabeth to understand that he did not like being left waiting, much less that she thought she could take petty revenge whenever they had a disagreement.
"Forgive me, sir, but my head hurt a little, and I preferred to rest before coming to talk to you," Elizabeth replied as calmly as she could.
Mr. Darcy gestured for Elizabeth to sit in the chair in front of his desk, and when she sat, he did the same.
"Elizabeth, after our conversation yesterday on the terrace, I realized that you probably do not have appropriate clothing for the climate in this area. Unfortunately, we leave in two days, so we shall not have time to order you a new wardrobe, but when we are in Scotland, I shall ask a local seamstress to make all the clothes you need. I shall tell Mrs. Reynolds to buy the best fabrics she can find in Lambton and send them to Scotland. Also, I want you to know that I shall assign you a generous monthly sum so that you can cover any expenses you may have. That way, you will not lack anything and will not need to… well, you know."
"Wear clothes that do not belong to me," Elizabeth completed. "I am very sorry for taking that garment; if I had known the emotional value it had for you, I would never have done it," Elizabeth replied as calmly as she could.
"For my part, that matter is closed," said Mr. Darcy more calmly. He had thought that the conversation would be a little more complicated, but indeed, hearing that she would have new clothes and a generous sum of money put Elizabeth in a better mood.
"Regarding the clothes you have offered me, I do not think it will be necessary. In a few more months, Georgina will be unable to wear many of her clothes. With the help of my maid, I can modify some dresses and coats that will help me face the cold of Scotland." Elizabeth did not like the tone when that arrogant gentleman offered her clothes and money, as if she were willing to sell her dignity for a few new dresses.
"It seems to me that you still do not understand, Elizabeth, that you are now Mrs. Darcy, the wife of one of the wealthiest men in this area and Master of Pemberley," replied Mr. Darcy, annoyed.
"I have not forgotten, sir. I am sorry, but I do not understand what this has to do with what we were talking about," Elizabeth replied, confused. She had sworn to stay calm and not let that man get on her nerves, but apparently, that was impossible.
"Mrs. Darcy cannot wear old, mended clothes. Do you not realize that you are taking the place of my mother, Lady Anne, Earl Matlock's daughter?" asked Mr. Darcy without understanding her obstinacy.
"Sir, it is clear that in your eyes, I shall never be worthy of taking your mother's place. But please, let me remind you that we shall be practically locked in an estate surrounded by trees and cattle that do not care if I wear cotton or silk. Furthermore, it seems dangerous to Georgiana's reputation if seamstresses, servants, and other strangers go to where we shall be hidden. Any of them can spread rumors and speculations about us. And all of this for what? Because Mrs. Darcy cannot wear clothes that belonged to Miss Darcy," Elizabeth said indignantly. Evidently, that gentleman's conceit had no limits.
Mr. Darcy could not refute Elizabeth's statement because he had to admit she was somewhat correct. "I understand, but when we return to public life, I hope you comprehend that you must dress to the level of your new social position."
"I promise not to embarrass you in public, Mr. Darcy. Finally, please do not offer me money again because you know well why I accepted your proposal. You married me to protect your sister, and I married you to protect mine. When we return from Scotland, I plan to hire a governess to help my three younger sisters and be able to provide even a small dowry for Jane. That is all I expect from you." Elizabeth said all this while staring at Mr. Darcy and making a great effort not to shed any tears in front of him.
"You have my word, Elizabeth. I shall help your sisters financially," Mr. Darcy said uncomfortably. He hoped Elizabeth would understand that was all he was willing to offer the Bennet family. He wanted to keep them as far away from his family as possible.
"Thank you," Elizabeth replied more calmly. She had no choice but to trust that man's word, even though she had some doubts because of what he did to Mr. Wickham.
"Well, we have clarified many misunderstandings. I am sorry, Elizabeth, but I have many things pending. As you know, we will leave for Scotland the day after tomorrow, and I still have many things to resolve." Mr. Darcy was exhausted and did not wish to continue arguing with Elizabeth. Especially since he had noticed how emotional she was, if she started crying in front of him, he knew he would not resist comforting her in his arms.
"I am so sorry you are so busy, sir, but that is precisely what I wanted to discuss with you. Mr. Darcy, I do not think Georgiana is fit to travel so soon. These last few days, I have observed how her health has been declining, and today she even had intense pain…"
"I imagine they are symptoms typical of her condition. The doctor examined her a few days ago and said she was fine."
"I remember that a few years ago, I spent some time in London when my Aunt Gardiner was expecting her last child and her discomfort was very different. She was nauseous and tired but not in pain."
"I visited Georgiana today, and she told me she was feeling very well."
"She will never tell you anything that she thinks might worry you."
"Are you trying to tell me that she trusts someone she just met more than her brother?"
"Please do not be absurd, sir. Georgiana admires and loves you. Unfortunately, she also feels indebted to you and does not want to contradict you for fear of disappointing you again. Please, let us postpone the trip for a few days, at least until the doctor examines her again."
"Impossible, we cannot risk someone noticing... very soon we shall not be able to hide that... Furthermore, winter is advancing, and if we do not leave now, we risk a storm, leaving the roads dangerous to travel and not allowing us to reach Scotland. I am sorry, Mrs. Darcy, but that is non-negotiable, and we must leave the day after tomorrow," Mr. Darcy finished emphatically.
Elizabeth felt like telling that man everything she thought about him, but she knew it would be in vain. "I understand. Now, if you will excuse me, I shall go see Georgiana."
"I shall go see her later, too," said Mr. Darcy.
"Until then, sir," Elizabeth replied curtly. Then, she left the study.
Mr. Darcy felt dejected. He summoned Elizabeth to clear everything between them and felt that everything had become even more tangled. He wanted Elizabeth to remain distant but not hostile towards him. He did not want her to have a wrong opinion of him and did not know how to keep her away from him when, deep down, he wanted to be with her all the time.
P&P
Elizabeth dined alone in her room because Georgiana did not want to eat. Georgiana did not look well, but she told Mr. Darcy she was tired and wanted to sleep.
Once she finished dinner, Elizabeth put on her nightgown and went to bed. This time, sleep overcame her immediately and she fell into a deep sleep. She dreamed she was happy in London at her uncle Gardiner's house, talking to Jane when someone woke her.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Darcy, but Miss Darcy's maid asked me to wake you," said Elizabeth's maid.
"What happened?" Elizabeth asked, very worried.
"I do not know, madam, but it seems Miss Darcy is not feeling well."
Elizabeth immediately got up and ran to Georgiana's room to see what was happening.
P&P
Thanks to everyone who follows the story with interest and leaves supportive comments
Thank everyone who left comments; now that I know many are enjoying the story, I will update as frequently as possible. There is no better motivation than your interest :)
Also, I want to tell you that when I wrote this story in its first version in Spanish, I was unsure if Jane should accept Mr. Murray or give Mr. Bingley a second chance. Obviously, I followed what they suggested and... well, you'll have to read it :)
Finally, in its original version, "El Trato," had 24 chapters; I believe this version will have between 28 to 30 chapters due to the new scenes and dialogues I have added.
In the next chapter many things will happen in Pemberley.
See you soon!
Saludos,
Yo
